GreeneStreets. Feature photo of a back country road in Greene County, Indiana.


Driving without headlights at night leads to traffic stop

A late night driver traveling without headlights in eastern Greene County was pulled over in a traffic stop, then ended up in jail for marijuana possession.

Javon Emmanuel Patterson

Javon Emmanuel Patterson

Javon Emmanuel Patterson, 25, Bloomington, was arrested by Deputy William C. Walker of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on Monday night, August 23.

Patterson was the driver of a black Chrysler 200 that was southbound on State Road 45 near SR 445 around 10:42 p.m. According to Deputy Walker, the Chrysler didn’t have any headlights on so he initiated a traffic stop.

Patterson denied having any marijuana in the vehicle when Deputy Walker asked him about the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked for his driver’s license, Patterson allegedly admitted he didn’t have a valid driver’s license.

A records check revealed Patterson was wanted on a warrant issued out of Greene County on a petition to revoke his probation on an earlier conviction of possession of marijuana.

During a search of the vehicle prior to towing, Deputy Walker reported finding a plastic bag in the center console with a green plant material. When he asked Patterson about it, Patterson allegedly said, “Just charge me with it.” Another plastic bag containing a green plant material was found in Patterson’s pocket.

GCSD Sgt. Jordan Allor also responded to assist on the stop.

Patterson appeared in court last Thursday in both a new case and his prior case.

In the new case, he was charged with:

  • Possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor, and

  • Knowingly or intentionally operating motor vehicle without ever receiving a license, a Class C misdemeanor.

In that case, his bond was set at $1,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed.

In the prior case, he was convicted of possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, and was on probation. After a violation of probation was reported, a warrant was issued in late July. In that case, he’s currently being held without bond.

As of Monday night, August 30, Patterson is still in custody in the Greene County Jail.